DEDICATED TO

  ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

IN LANGUAGE

 LEARNING

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Since 1998.

Change Your Status to F-1 and Study English Full Time

Apply to Lingua's Intensive English Program and get clear, school-side guidance for Form I-20 and the F-1 Change of Status process.

REQUEST A CHANGE OF STATUS REVIEW SPEAK WITH AN ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Established in 1998 | ACCET-accredited | Authorized to enroll eligible nonimmigrant students

Homestay Program · Doral · Weston · Fort Lauderdale

Become a Host Family

for an International Student in South Florida

Welcome an international student learning English at Lingua Language Center, an ACCET-accredited school in South Florida since 1998. You provide a private room and a welcoming home; we handle the matching, support and compensation, with a local team in Doral, Weston and Fort Lauderdale.

BECOME A HOST FAMILY SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM

Why Become a Host Family with Lingua?

More than a spare room: you'll give a student a home, a support system and their first real taste of American life.

Is this the Right F-1 Path for You?

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Are physically present in the United States after lawful admission in a nonimmigrant status.

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Have maintained the conditions of your current status and are still within the period authorized for your stay when filing.

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Want to enroll in Lingua's full-time, in-person Intensive English Program.

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Understand that USCIS—not Lingua—determines Change of Status eligibility and approval.

IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY NOTE Not every status can be changed to F-1, and some categories have restrictions. If your status has expired, you may have violated its terms, or your immigration history is complex, consult qualified immigration counsel before relying on this pathway.

DIFFERENT PATHWAY? If you are outside the United States, use the F-1 Initial Student page. If you are already studying at another U.S. school in valid F-1 status, use the Transfer to Lingua page.

F-1 Status Inside the United States

Without Applying for a Visa Abroad

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A Change of Status is a request for USCIS to change your current U.S. nonimmigrant classification to F-1 while you remain in the United States. It is not the same as an F-1 visa stamp.

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If USCIS approves the request, you receive F-1 status for your stay in the United States; if you later travel abroad, you may need to apply for an F-1 visa before returning.

DO NOT ASSUME APPROVAL Continue following the rules of your current status while your request is pending. If your current status does not permit study—including B-1/B-2 visitor status—do not begin the Intensive English Program until USCIS approves F-1 status and Lingua confirms your start date.

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Competitive recruiter

commissions on eligible tuition

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Programs available for

international F-1 students

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Options for B-1/B-2 and vESTA visitors, where appropriate

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Programs for local and

domestic students

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Experienced

International

student team

Receive clear instructions for Lingua's application, financial review, Form I-20, and enrollment steps.

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DSO coordination

Lingua's Designated School Officials can manage the school and SEVIS actions connected to an eligible student's Form I-20 and start date.

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Full-time English study

Enroll in the in-person Intensive English Program designed for immersive language development.

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Structured progression

Begin at your placement level and build skills through seven levels from beginner to advanced.

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Flexible South Florida Options

Ask about Fort Lauderdale, Weston, or Miami (Doral), with availability confirmed during admissions.

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Support after approval

Prepare for orientation, placement, attendance expectations, and maintaining your F-1 enrollment.

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Earn Extra Income

Receive compensation that helps cover your student's room and meals.

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We Handle the Details

Careful matching, clear guidelines and a local team close to your home.

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Make Lifelong Friendships

Many hosts stay in touch with their students long after they return home.

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Bring the World Home

Share your traditions and discover new cultures without leaving South Florida.

HOST FAMILY REQUIREMENTS

Who Can Become a

Host Family?

No two host families are alike. Couples, single professionals, empty nesters and families with children can all host with Lingua, whether you live in a house, townhome, condo or apartment. What matters most is a safe, welcoming home and genuine curiosity about another culture.

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Host Family Requirements

  • A private, furnished bedroom with a bed, closet and study desk
  • A home within a reasonable commute of our Doral, Weston or Fort Lauderdale campus
  • Meals and Wi-Fi for your student
  • An open mind and a friendly, English-speaking home

What Lingua Provides

  • Careful student matching
  • Compensation for hosting
  • Ongoing support from our local team
  • Clear guidelines for you and your student
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Friends chatting around a sunlit dining table with tropical views and breakfast dishes

How Much Do Host Families Get Paid?

Lingua host families receive compensation to help cover the cost of hosting, including the student's private room and meals. Payments are made directly by Lingua, and our team will walk you through current rates and payment details during your first call. Students cover their own personal expenses, such as transportation, phone and entertainment.

SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM

How to Become a Host Family in 5 Steps

From application to arrival, our team guides you at every step.

1

Apply

Tell us about your home and household. It takes about 5 minutes.

2

Home Visit

We'll schedule a visit to get to know your family and answer your questions.

3

Get Matched

You'll see your student's profile before confirming.

4

Welcome

We'll share arrival details and help you prepare.

5

Ongoing Support

Our team checks in regularly and is available whenever you need us.

Host Near Our Campuses in Miami (Doral), Weston and Fort Lauderdale

For many of our students, this is their first time living abroad. Your home in Miami-Dade or Broward becomes their base for learning English, building confidence and discovering American life, while your family gains a friend from across the world.

Since 1998

Teaching in South Florida

Thousands

of international students

3 Campuses

Doral · Weston · Fort Lauderdale

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Miami (Doral), FL

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Fort Laudardale, FL

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Weston, FL

Become a Host Family

Apply to host an International Student in South Florida

Start with a Complete School File

  • A completed Lingua international student application.
  • A clear copy of your valid passport identification page.
  • A copy of your current visa and most recent Form I-94 arrival record.
  • Evidence of your current nonimmigrant classification and maintenance of status, as applicable.
  • Three months of current bank statements or other acceptable proof of financial support.
  • Sponsor documents if another person or organization will fund your study and living expenses.
  • Passport, status, and relationship documents for any dependents included in the plan.

USCIS FILING EVIDENCE The USCIS filing is separate from Lingua's admissions file and may require additional forms, explanations, and case-specific evidence. Follow the current Form I-539 instructions and obtain legal advice when appropriate.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

Build Real-World English Skills Through Full-Time, In-Person Study

Lingua's Intensive English Program combines structured core instruction with interactive, communication-driven practice. Students strengthen speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar, and comprehension while building the confidence to use English in academic, professional, and everyday settings.

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18 hours per week

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Monday through Thursday

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Morning & evening options may be available

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7 structured levels

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Placement based progression

Discover the perfect City

Expand your portfolio with English programs in some of Florida's top destinations

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Miami (Doral), FL

Learn More

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Fort Laudardale, FL

Learn More

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Weston, FL

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything South Florida families ask before hosting.

  • What is a Change of Status to F-1?

    It is a request for USCIS to change your current nonimmigrant classification to F-1 while you remain in the United States. Approval gives you F-1 status for your U.S. stay; it does not place an F-1 visa in your passport.

  • Who may be eligible to request F-1 status?

    USCIS generally considers whether you were lawfully admitted, your current status was valid when you filed, you followed the conditions of that status, and no other issue makes you ineligible. Some categories cannot change status or have special restrictions. Lingua can assess school admission requirements but cannot provide a legal eligibility determination.

  • Which Lingua program applies to this pathway?

    Only Lingua's full-time, in-person Intensive English Program applies to the F-1 Change of Status pathway described here. The program provides 18 hours of in-person instruction per week.

  • Is a Change of Status the same as receiving an F-1 visa?

    No. USCIS can approve F-1 status inside the United States, but visas are issued by U.S. embassies and consulates. If you later travel outside the country, you may need an F-1 visa to return in F-1 status.

  • Can I begin classes while Form I-539 is pending?

    It depends on the rules of your current status. If your current status does not permit enrollment—such as B-1/B-2 visitor status—do not begin classes until USCIS approves the change to F-1 and Lingua confirms your start date. Enrolling when your status prohibits study can create a status violation.

  • Does Lingua file Form I-539 for me?

    No. Lingua handles admission and the school-side Form I-20 and SEVIS steps. You or your legal representative are responsible for preparing and filing Form I-539 and supporting evidence with USCIS.

  • How long does USCIS take?

    Processing times vary and can change. Check the official USCIS processing-time tool for the filing type and office handling your case. Lingua cannot predict or guarantee a decision date.

  • Is premium processing available?

    USCIS currently lists premium processing for eligible Form I-539 requests to change to F-1 for an additional fee. Review the latest Form I-907 instructions, eligibility, fee, and timing rules before choosing this service.

  • What if my Form I-20 start date is approaching and the case is still pending?

    Contact Lingua before the start date. The DSO may need to defer your program start in SEVIS. Do not let the date pass without coordinating with the school.

  • Do I need to keep filing applications to bridge the time until my F-1 start date?

    Current USCIS guidance says an otherwise eligible F-1 Change of Status applicant generally does not need later filings solely to bridge a gap if the prior status was unexpired when Form I-539 was filed. Individual facts matter, so follow current USCIS instructions and ask qualified counsel about your case.

  • Can I travel outside the United States while my request is pending?

    International travel can affect a pending Change of Status request and your ability to return. Speak with qualified immigration counsel before making travel plans, and notify Lingua if your plans change.

  • Can my spouse or children change with me?

    A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be able to request F-2 status and will need separate dependent Forms I-20 and the applicable USCIS forms and evidence. Tell Lingua about all dependents early and follow current USCIS instructions.

  • What if I am not eligible to change status inside the United States?

    Consular processing may be an alternative: apply to an SEVP-certified school, receive an initial Form I-20, leave the United States, apply for an F-1 visa if required, and seek admission in F-1 status. Obtain legal advice before choosing a pathway.

  • Is approval guaranteed?

    No. Acceptance to Lingua and issuance of Form I-20 do not guarantee USCIS approval. USCIS reviews each request individually. Lingua provides academic and administrative support and does not make immigration decisions.

  • Do host families get paid?

    Yes. Lingua host families receive compensation. Our team will share current rates and payment details during your first call.

  • Is this the same as hosting a foreign exchange student?

    Not exactly. Traditional exchange programs usually place high school students with volunteer families for a school year. At Lingua, you host an international student enrolled in our English programs in South Florida, and you receive compensation for providing room and meals.

  • What are the requirements to become a host family?

    A private, furnished bedroom, meals, Wi-Fi, a home within a reasonable commute of one of our campuses, and a welcoming, English-speaking environment. Our team will also visit your home before any match.

  • Do I need to own a house or have children to host?

    No. Singles, couples, empty nesters and families can host, in a house, townhome, condo or apartment. What matters is a private bedroom and a welcoming home.

  • Who are the students?

    They are international students enrolled in English programs at Lingua's South Florida campuses, many of them on an F-1 student visa.

  • How long do students stay?

    Stays usually match the length of the student's English program, from a few weeks to several months.

  • What does the student pay for?

    Your compensation covers the student's room and meals. Students pay for their own personal expenses, such as transportation, phone and entertainment.

  • Where do I need to live?

    Within a reasonable commute of one of our campuses in Doral (Miami-Dade), Weston or Fort Lauderdale (Broward).

  • Can I host if my family speaks Spanish or Portuguese at home?

    Yes. Students come to practice English, so we ask that you speak English with them.

  • What if the match doesn't work out?

    Our team is here to help. We'll talk with both sides and find the best solution for everyone.

Take the Nest Step Toward Full-Time English Study

Tell Lingua about your current status, study goals, and preferred campus. Our International Admissions team can explain the Intensive English Program, review the school documents, and guide you through the Form I-20 steps.

REQUEST A CHANGE OF STATUS REVIEW SPEAK WITH AN ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Lingua does not provide legal representation and cannot guarantee USCIS approval or processing time.

Academic English & University Readiness

Learn more...

Duration: 12–24 weeks.

Focus: Academic writing, research, presentations, note-taking, critical reading.

Outcome: English readiness for university-level coursework.

Ideal for: Students planning to enter U.S. or international universities.


Students who do not yet meet the required level are placed into the appropriate IEP level (IEP 1–7) as part of their structured academic progression.

Professional English for

the Workplace

Leran more...

Duration: 8–12 weeks.

Focus: Workplace communication, presentations, email writing, interviews.

Outcome: Professional confidence and career advancement.

Ideal for: Professionals, executives, and international workers.


Duration: 8–12 weeks.

Focus: Workplace communication, presentations, email writing, interviews.

Outcome: Professional confidence and career advancement.

Ideal for: Professionals, executives, and international workers.

Intensive English Bootcamp

Request Information

Duration: 4–8 weeks.

Focus: Speaking, listening, pronunciation, grammar.

Outcome: Rapid improvement for immediate academic or professional needs

Ideal for: Visitors, short-term students, and local learners.

Duration: 4–8 weeks.

Focus: Speaking, listening, pronunciation, grammar.

Outcome: Rapid improvement for immediate academic or professional needs

Ideal for: Visitors, short-term students, and local learners.